Dolphins Sign Wideout Tutu Atwell to One-Year Deal
The Miami Dolphins are signing former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Atwell, a Miami native, will return home. The addition of Davante Adams in L.A. last year meant that Atwell's role in the Rams' offense would be reduced after he had a combined 81 catches on 129 targets for 1,045 yards and three touchdowns in 33 regular-season games (19 starts) in 2023 and 2024. The 26-year-old former second-round pick in 2021 out of Louisville only caught six passes for 192 yards and one touchdown on 15 targets last year in 10 regular-season games (four starts). There just weren't many targets to go around for Rams receivers not named Adams or Puka Nacua. In Miami, Atwell will have a shot at a bigger role behind WR1 Jaylen Waddle while working with new quarterback Malik Willis, but it still might not be a favorable outlook for fantasy purposes. Atwell is more of a deep threat on offense, averaging 14.6 yards per catch in his five-year NFL career.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Yankees Reassign George Lombard Jr. to Minor-League Camp
The New York Yankees announced that they reassigned infield prospect George Lombard Jr. to minor-league camp following their Grapefruit League game on Thursday. Lombard got off to a strong start at the plate in big-league spring training, but he had slowed down of late and will open the 2026 campaign most likely at Double-A for more development. Per MLB Pipeline, Lombard is considered the Yankees' top prospect going into this year, and he ranks as the No. 32 overall prospect in all of baseball. Even with Anthony Volpe (shoulder) set to miss the beginning of the season, the Yankees want to get Lombard more action in the minor leagues before he potentially makes his major-league debut in 2026. Lombard hit only .235/.367/.381 with a .748 OPS, nine home runs, 49 RBI, 90 runs scored, and 35 stolen bases in 132 games at High-A Hudson Valley and Double-A Somerset in 2025. He has a high baseball IQ and intriguing long-term power potential, but Lombard must first improve at making contact with the baseball at the plate.
Source: Yankees PR Department
Source: Yankees PR Department
Justin Fields Expected to be Replaced as Starting QB in 2026
ESPN's Rich Cimini writes that veteran quarterback Geno Smith is expected to replace Justin Fields as the New York Jets' bridge starter this year. Head coach Aaron Glenn is hoping to get enough wins out of Smith to stick around for a third year at the helm. The Jets signed Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract in March of last year, but he was not the answer under center. The 27-year-old former 11th overall pick by the Chicago Bears in 2021 out of Ohio State only made nine starts before being benched for veteran Tyrod Taylor. Fields, one of the better rushing QBs in the league, didn't run as much, and although he did limit his turnovers, he didn't help the Jets' offense much, throwing for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception in his nine starts. He had 71 carries for 383 yards and four touchdowns as a rusher. It would not be a surprise to see the Jets cut Field this offseason, which would save them $10 million in salary cap space in 2026.
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Source: ESPN New York - Rich Cimini
Mike Evans Expected to Fit in Nicely in San Fran as X Receiver
New San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to "step in right away as the X receiver" and provide leadership for a wideout group that doesn't have much experience, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Evan's "red-zone and tight-window acumen" should translate quickly into head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense in 2026. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer had 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before breaking that streak last year when he played in only eight games due to collarbone and hamstring injuries. Evans has scored double-digit touchdowns in six of his 12 seasons in the league, and his 27 TDs on tight-window throws over the last 10 seasons are six more than the next closest player, according to Next Gen Stats. While Evans is nearing the end of his career, his landing spot in the Bay Area could be the best chance he has for a 12th 1,000-yard season. The Niners swooped on Evans earlier this week and signed him to a three-year, $42.4 million contract that could reach $60.4 million through incentives.
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
Bengals Signing Jonathan Allen to Two-Year Deal
The Cincinnati Bengals are signing veteran free-agent defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $26 million deal on Thursday, a source told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Allen can make a maximum of $28 million over two years through performance-based incentives. The 31-year-old two-time Pro Bowler will make the jump to the AFC North as he heads into his 10th NFL season after spending 2025 with the Minnesota Vikings, where he had a career-high 68 tackles (29 solo), 3.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, 11 QB hits, and a fumble recovery in 17 starts. He finished just inside the top-50 defensive linemen in IDP fantasy formats. The former 17th overall pick by Washington in 2017 out of Alabama is expected to serve as a starting interior defensive lineman in 2026 for a Bengals defense that needs all the help it can get after letting star pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson walk in free agency. Allen has 469 total tackles (270 solo) and 45.5 sacks in his nine NFL seasons, starting in 125 of the 126 games he's appeared in.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Zack Wheeler to Face Hitters in Live Batting Practice on Saturday
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (shoulder) will face hitters in a live batting practice session in camp on Saturday, manager Rob Thomson told Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer. It's a big benchmark in Wheeler's recovery from thoracic outlet surgery that he had last September, as it will be the first time that he has faced hitters since going under the knife. The 35-year-old could get into Grapefruit League games before the end of spring training, too, if he continues to progress in his throwing program and avoids any setbacks. We already know that Wheeler will open the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list, but his debut could come before the end of April. The former first-rounder and three-time All-Star was one of the top fantasy arms in baseball before his injury last year, and all the positive reports on his recovery this spring have his ADP rising. Wheeler is now the No. 29 fantasy starting pitcher in RotoBaller's 2026 rankings.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Scott Lauber
Luis Pena Looking to Show Improvement in 2026
Milwaukee Brewers infield prospect Luis Pena impressed at Single-A in 2025, slashing .308/.375/.469 with a low 13.3 percent strikeout rate and 41 steals through 71 games as an 18-year-old. The showing earned him a promotion to High-A, where things did not go as smoothly, slashing just .168/.220/.297 with a 24.8 percent strikeout rate and three steals in 25 games. The 2026 campaign will provide Pena an opportunity to right the ship at High-A, and with highly-rated hit and power tools, there should be plenty of confidence that he will. Assuming he does, the Brewers' third-ranked prospect should continue to show off his 70-grade wheels (per MLB.com), and if all goes well, Pena could see time at Double-A before the season is over. The 19-year-old should already be on the radar in dynasty leagues, if not already rostered, although he's a couple of years away from the majors.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Joe Ryan to Join Team USA in World Baseball Classic
Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan will join Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, replacing future Hall of Fame left-hander Clayton Kershaw, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. Ryan was scratched ahead of his first scheduled Grapefruit League start on Feb. 21 with back tightness, but he has since recovered and thrown three shutout innings with two walks and no strikeouts in his lone spring training outing to this point. Now that he's recovered from his back injury, he'll be available to USA for the quarterfinals of the WBC against Canada. The 29-year-old was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his fifth year in the big leagues, going 13-10 with a career-best 3.42 ERA (3.74 FIP), 1.03 WHIP, and 194:39 K: BB in 171 innings over 31 outings (30 starts). The injury bug has been one of Ryan's biggest issues, like so many other pitches, but when healthy, he's a solid low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 fantasy starting pitcher.
Source: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale
Source: USA Today Sports - Bob Nightengale
Gerrit Cole Could Pitch in a Spring Game Next Week
New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole (elbow) said after his 35-pitch live batting practice session in camp that he will throw again in six days, according to Jack Curry of the YES Network. Cole said he and the Yankees "will likely" talk about him pitching in a spring training game next week. There was always a chance that the 35-year-old former American League Cy Young winner would appear in a Grapefruit League game before the end of spring training, but that doesn't mean that Cole will be in the team's Opening Day starting rotation. The Yankees are still expected to eventually put him on the 60-day injured list, which would mean Cole won't make his 2026 debut until late May. Still, his recovery from Tommy John surgery and an internal-brace procedure has gone very well so far. The former fantasy ace is a big question mark in fantasy since he didn't pitch at all last year. Workload restrictions are expected once he returns to New York's rotation.
Source: YES Network - Jack Curry
Source: YES Network - Jack Curry
Matthew Boyd Named the Cubs' Opening Day Starter
Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd has been named as the team's Opening Day starter for the March 26 contest against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field, according to Jesse Rogers of ESPN. Boyd was a first-time All-Star last year on the North Side in his first year in Chicago, going 14-8 with a 3.21 ERA (3.65 FIP) and 1.09 WHIP with 154 strikeouts and 42 walks in 179 2/3 innings over 31 starts. His 154 strikeouts were the third-most in his career. This will be the veteran left-hander's third career Opening Day start after he started the first game of the regular season twice for the Detroit Tigers in 2020 and 2021. Boyd pitched in one game for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic in a relief role, allowing three runs on five hits over 2 1/3 innings versus Mexico. He knows how to keep hitters off balance, but Boyd isn't a big strikeout guy, limiting his fantasy upside as more of a back-end rotation arm.
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Source: ESPN Chicago - Jesse Rogers
Commanders Signing Rachaad White to a One-Year Deal
The Washington Commanders are signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Washington non-tendered former RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. on Wednesday, and he quickly latched on with the Jacksonville Jaguars. To give the team more depth in the backfield alongside second-year back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the Commanders have now added White to the mix. The 27-year-old former third-round pick in 2022 out of Arizona State had 2,656 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on 677 carries (3.9 yards per attempt) while adding 205 catches, 1,450 yards, and 11 touchdowns through the air in his four years in Tampa. Depending on what else Washington does at the RB position this offseason, White figures to operate as more of a third-down back in D.C. in 2026, with JCM operating as the early-down option. It's a similar role to what he had with the Bucs when Bucky Irving was healthy.
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Patriots Not Shutting the Door on Reunion With Stefon Diggs
New England Patriots executive vice president Eliot Wolf hasn't completely shut the door on a potential return for free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs, according to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. The Patriots officially released Diggs at the start of the new league year on Wednesday to free up salary cap space for the 2026 season, but they aren't opposed to re-signing him to a new deal despite signing former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs earlier this week. The 32-year-old veteran is probably past his prime, but he still managed to lead the Patriots in receiving in 2025 with 85 catches on 102 targets for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season starts. It was Diggs' seventh time reaching the 1,000-yard mark in his 11 NFL seasons. New England continues to discuss a potential trade for Eagles receiver A.J. Brown, too, but reuniting with Diggs would be the cheaper option and also wouldn't involve giving up significant draft capital. The four-time Pro Bowler would most likely have a smaller role in the passing game for the Pats if he were to return in 2026.
Source: Boston Herald - Doug Kyed
Source: Boston Herald - Doug Kyed
Will Alvin Kamara Retire?
Andrew Siciliano wonders whether New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) will retire this offseason after an interesting question-and-answer session with head coach Kellen Moore on Kamara and new RB addition Travis Etienne Jr. on Thursday. Moore didn't specifically answer a reporter's question on whether the Saints expect Kamara to be a part of the team in 2026, other than saying Kamara "means a lot to us." When asked specifically if Kamara is considering retirement, Moore said, "I'm not going to get into all that stuff." The Saints restructured the 30-year-old's contract recently in a way that puts his future with the organization in question, and there are only more questions about Kamara after New Orleans signed Etienne to a four-year, $52 million contract on Monday. Kamara has ended the last two seasons injured, and if he wants to continue playing in the NFL, he could be doing so outside the Big Easy for the first time in his career.
Source: Andrew Siciliano
Source: Andrew Siciliano
Will Slade Caldwell Take Another Step Forward in 2026?
Arizona Diamondbacks outfield prospect Slade Caldwell was the 29th overall pick in the 2024 Draft and performed admirably in his first taste of professional baseball in 2025. The left-handed slugger hit .294 at Single-A with an almost unfathomable 20.4 percent walk rate in 48 games there, leading to a superb .460 on-base percentage (OBP). While the batting average unsurprisingly took a dip at High-A, falling to .238, the pitch recognition remained, resulting in a 15.7 percent walk rate and .370 OBP. Getting on base allowed him to use his trademark tool, his speed, which allowed for 25 stolen bases in a total of 114 games. The former first-rounder could see more time at High-A to begin the 2026 campaign, but a good showing should get him to Double-A quickly. The 19-year-old is probably still a couple of years away from the majors, but he's a name dynasty managers should be familiar with.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Kaelen Culpepper Continuing to Trend Upward
Minnesota Twins infield prospect Kaelen Culpepper was invited to major league camp this spring and has not disappointed, going 6-for-19 (.316) with a double and a stolen base, a continuation of the success he saw a season ago. The Twins' second-ranked prospect spent half of 2025 at High-A and the other half at Double-A, posting similar numbers at both levels, culminating in a .289/.375/.469 slash line with 20 home runs and 25 steals in 113 games. He may begin the season with Double-A Wichita, but it shouldn't be long before the former first-rounder gets his first taste of Triple-A action, and a late-season debut in the majors could be in the cards. Brooks Lee is currently slated to play shortstop for the big league club, but even after a 16-homer campaign in 2025, Lee has produced an uninspiring .636 OPS, .277 wOBA, and 75 wRC+ through 189 major league games, so there is certainly an offensive hole Culpepper could fill if Lee's struggles continue. Culpepper is not a stash candidate in season-long leagues at this point, but could become one later in the year, so fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress throughout 2026.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Could Josue De Paula Make His MLB Debut in 2026?
Los Angeles Dodgers outfield prospect Josue De Paula made a strong impression during his first major league camp this spring, going 9-for-24 (.375) with a 4:8 BB:K, and although he was reassigned to minor-league camp, he could still make an impact with the Dodgers this year. The team's top-ranked prospect has shown well in professional ball thus far, recording a .279/.405/.414 slash line with a keen eye (16.4 percent BB%) and a better-than-average strikeout rate (18.7 percent K%) during his time in the minors. For a guy who doesn't have a highly rated speed tool, the Dominican was aggressive on the basepaths the last two seasons, swiping 32 bags last year and 27 the year before. Furthermore, the 6-foot-3 slugger has yet to really tap into his 70-grade future value (FV) raw power grade (rated only behind known power-producers Samuel Basallo and Bryce Eldridge, who have FV power of 80, per FanGraphs), belting just 12 home runs in 2025 in 98 games at High-A. The left-handed hitter played just four games at Double-A last year, so that is where he will likely begin 2026, however, with a good showing, he could be ticketed for Triple-A by the second half, and the soon-to-be-21-year-old could be knocking on the door to the majors by September. For now, the Dodgers' top-ranked prospect is not a stash option in season-long leagues, but he's certainly a name to monitor.
Source: MiLB.com
Source: MiLB.com
Aidan Miller Reassigned to Minor-League Camp
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop prospect Aidan Miller (back) was reassigned to minor-league camp on Thursday. It's no surprise at this point, as the youngster has been dealing with a back issue since late February, having not registered a single at-bat in Grapefruit League play this spring, and with Trea Turner and Alec Bohm holding down the left side of the infield to start 2026. The Phillies' top-ranked prospect will likely begin the season at Triple-A, which is where he had an eight-game stint at the end of 2025 after a strong showing at Double-A. The former first-rounder hit .356 over his final 39 games between Double and Triple-A last year, carried a .392 OBP for the season thanks to a 15.6 percent BB%, and stole 59 bases in a total of 116 games. Assuming health, there's a good chance the 21-year-old will make his major league debut later this year, with work at both third base and second base this spring opening other potential routes to the big leagues, and with a fantasy-friendly power/speed toolset, the right-handed slugger is a worthy stash option in deeper leagues.
Source: Todd Zolecki
Source: Todd Zolecki
Makai Lemon Runs 40-Yard Dash at USC's Pro Day
USC wide receiver Makai Lemon ran his 40-yard dash for NFL scouts at his school's pro day on Thursday morning and was in the 4.48-second to 4.53-second range, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic. Brugler adds that Lemon also ran routes for teams, but he didn't do any jump testing, shuttle, or three-cone drills. The 21-year-old chose not to do any athletic testing at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis at the end of February. He's one of the top receiving talents in this year's draft class and should be locked in as a first-round selection for a WR-needy team. Lemon isn't among the fastest wideouts to make the leap to the NFL in 2026, but he still has enough skills to be worth consideration as a top-10 draft pick in April. He finished his final year with the Trojans in 2025 with 79 catches, 1,156 yards, and 11 touchdowns.
Source: The Athletic - Dane Brugler
Source: The Athletic - Dane Brugler
Eagles, Landon Dickerson Agree to Revised Two-Year Contract
The Philadelphia Eagles and three-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Landon Dickerson agreed to a revised two-year contract on Thursday at around $36 million, sources told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Dickerson was previously due to make $39 million in 2026 and 2027, but he can now hit that mark with 2027 incentives. He will be due $15.7 million this year and is no longer under contract for 2028. The 27-year-old former second-round pick (37th overall) in 2021 out of Alabama was a Pro Bowler from 2022 to 2024 for the Eagles. He started 15 regular-season contests a year ago and has started 77 of the 78 games that he's appeared in for the Eagles over his five seasons in the NFL. Going into his sixth year in the league, Dickerson will be slated to start at left guard this year in a revamped offense.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Maxx Crosby Committed to Raiders After Trade Falls Apart
Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) is fully committed to making it work with the Raiders after the trade with the Baltimore Ravens fell apart on Tuesday, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. "Everything Happens For A Reason," Crosby wrote in a post on X. "Believe Nothing You Hear & Half Of What You See. Im A Raider. I'm Back. Run That S---." Baltimore agreed late last week to acquire Crosby in exchange for two first-round picks. The 28-year-old had surgery in January to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee that caused the Raiders to hold him out against his will for the final two games of 2025. His agent, CJ LaBoy, said that Crosby is ahead of schedule in his recovery and is on track to return during the offseason program. It remains to be seen if another team will be willing to give up two first-rounders to acquire Crosby, whose long-term injury situation is a bit murky. Wherever he's playing in 2026, though, Crosby will be a strong defensive line target in IDP fantasy leagues as long as he's healthy.
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Broncos Re-Sign Lil'Jordan Humphrey
The Denver Broncos are re-signing wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey to an undisclosed deal on Thursday, a source told Zac Stevens of DNVR Sports. Humphrey played three games with the New York Giants at the beginning of last year before the Broncos picked him up. Head coach Sean Payton is familiar with the 27-year-old wideout after he played the first three years of his career with the New Orleans Saints from 2019 through 2021. In his seven regular-season games with the Broncos in 2025, Humphrey caught nine of his 15 targets for 101 yards and one touchdown. He also played in Denver in 2023 and 2024, catching 44 of his 64 targets for 455 yards and four touchdowns in 34 games (15 starts). He will return to Denver to provide them with depth at the position, but he won't be anywhere near the fantasy radar behind Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Pat Bryant, and Marvin Mims Jr.
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Source: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
Orlando Brown Jr. Signs Two-Year Extension With Bengals
Left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. signed an undisclosed two-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. Brown is a cornerstone of Cincy's offensive line and also a Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. On an offensive line that has seen its fair share of struggles in recent seasons, Brown is the prime protector of Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow, so he's a pretty important piece of the offense. The 29-year-old previously signed a four-year, $64 million deal that made him the biggest free-agent signing in Bengals history at the time. In his eight seasons in the league, Brown has a Super Bowl ring, four Pro Bowl berths, and a franchise tag. Not only has Brown's play been top-notch, but he's played in all 17 regular-season games in two of his three seasons in Cincinnati.
Source: Bengals.com - Geoff Hobson
Source: Bengals.com - Geoff Hobson
Dolphins Re-Sign Kicker Riley Patterson
The Miami Dolphins announced on Thursday that they re-signed kicker Riley Patterson to an undisclosed deal. The Dolphins moved on from Jason Sanders, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, and also signed former Atlanta Falcons kicker Zane Gonzalez earlier this week. The 26-year-old Patterson filled in nicely for Sanders last year, making 27 of his 29 field-goal attempts and 34 of his 35 extra-point opportunities over 17 games. However, because of Miami's inconsistent offense, he finished as just the No. 16 kicker in overall fantasy points. Given how well Patterson kicked in 2025, he should be considered the favorite for placekicking duties in Miami over Gonzalez going into the 2026 regular season this fall. In his five years in the NFL, Patterson has made 87.4% of his 103 field-goal attempts, including going 7-for-13 from 50-plus yards out. If he wins the starting job this summer, Patterson will be a low-end starting kicker in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: Miami Dolphins
Source: Miami Dolphins
Ravens Release Cooper Rush
The Baltimore Ravens released quarterback Cooper Rush on Thursday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Rush signed a two-year, $6.2 million deal with Baltimore last offseason, but he'll be looking for work this offseason after one year with the Ravens. The 32-year-old veteran signal-caller appeared in four games for the Ravens last year and started two games with Lamar Jackson injured, going 34-for-52 passing for 303 yards, no touchdowns, and four interceptions. The former undrafted free agent out of Central Michigan debuted in the NFL in 2017 with the Dallas Cowboys and has completed 61.1% of his passes for 3,766 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in his eight-year career. Rush was expendable in Baltimore with Tyler Huntley returning to back up Jackson for the 2026 season.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Jauan Jennings Remains Top Receiver on the Open Market
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings had 15 receiving touchdowns and 1,618 yards on 132 receptions (203 targets) the last two years for the San Francisco 49ers. The 28-year-old former seventh-round pick in 2020 out of Tennessee is one of the top available wideouts on the open market now, and he seems unlikely to return to the Bay Area after the Niners signed future Hall of Famer Mike Evans earlier this week. Behind Evans, the Niners have Ricky Pearsall, Demarcus Robinson, Jacob Cowing, and Jordan Watkins. The Niners could use more depth at the position, especially with Pearsall barely playing due to injuries in his first two seasons, but it still feels more likely that San Fran will wind up letting Jennings walk as a free agent. Jennings would obviously have a much lower floor in fantasy if he re-signed with the Niners. NFL.com's Steve Wyche thinks the Falcons would be a perfect fit for Jennings to work alongside Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Francisco Lindor Remains on Schedule for Opening Day
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (hand) is getting close to taking full batting practice on the field, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. In addition to doing defensive work in minor-league games, Lindor had a batting practice session with normal, two-handed swings inside the batting cage on Tuesday. DiComo writes that Lindor "remains right on schedule to be ready for Opening Day." The 32-year-old All-Star had surgery for a broken right hamate bone last month, but he's making good progress, and barring a setback, he'll be ready to go for fantasy managers at the end of this month when the games count. Lindor's hand injury might make him a bit more risky as a fantasy investment in upcoming drafts, but he's still easily a top-10 option at the shortstop position after posting his second 30-30 season in the last three years in 2025.
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Source: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
Jose Berrios Dealing With Elbow Inflammation, Hopes to Make Next Start
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Jose Berrios (elbow) said that he feels good and called his recent elbow inflammation "strange" to hear about after his MRI exam, according to Keegan Matheson of MLB.com. Berrios is hoping to make his next start in the Grapefruit League. He was scratched from his Grapefruit League start on Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies due to right-elbow inflammation, but apparently, he's not too worried. Because of his elbow injury, the 31-year-old veteran wasn't able to pitch for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic. While it doesn't seem too serious right now, fantasy managers must remember that Berrios also had some similar elbow and biceps issues late last season. The former first-rounder has a lot of tread on his tires, having thrown 1,571 2/3 innings in his 10-year big-league career. With some injury issues this spring to boot, Berrios is not in RotoBaller's top-100 starting pitchers going into the 2026 season.
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Source: MLB.com - Keegan Matheson
Browns Officially Release David Njoku
The Cleveland Browns officially released tight end David Njoku and right guard Wyatt Teller with post-June 1 designations on Thursday, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. The Browns will break Njoku's dead salary cap into $9.5 million in 2026 and $14.7 million in 2027 while getting a bit of cap relief after June 1. Njoku's fantasy value in 2025 tanked with the quick emergence of rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr., who surprisingly led the team in receiving in his first year in the NFL. The 29-year-old Njoku's opportunities shrank, and he also missed some time late in the year with a knee injury. He finished with 33 receptions for 293 yards and four touchdowns on 48 targets over 12 games. Njoku's 293 yards were his fewest since 2020. Now healthy, Njoku will seek employment elsewhere in 2026 and could bounce back as a low-end TE1 option in fantasy if he lands in the right situation.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Clay Holmes to Rejoin Mets, Pitch on Friday
New York Mets right-hander Clay Holmes will rejoin the Mets in what manager Carlos Mendoza said was a difficult decision for him. Holmes needs to stay built up and will pitch in a Grapefruit League game on Friday. Holmes got his arm built up well ahead of the other pitchers early in spring training this year because he knew he'd be pitching for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. He was ready for his opportunity, as he retired the first eight Great Britain hitters he faced, including a stretch of five straight strikeouts. The 32-year-old veteran finished his outing for USA by allowing just one baserunner and striking out six to earn the victory. Fantasy managers and the Mets are hoping Holmes can take another step forward as a full-time starter in 2026 after he went 12-8 with a 3.53 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 129:66 K: BB in a career-high 165 2/3 innings over 33 outings (31 starts) last year in his first season with the Mets.
Source: Newsday - Laura Albanese
Source: Newsday - Laura Albanese
Ricky Pearsall Could Be Stuck in the WR2 Role in San Francisco
A first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall has missed 14 games due to injury over the first two years of his NFL career. When healthy, Pearsall's production has been more solid than spectacular. Across nine games played in 2025, the 25-year-old hauled in 36 receptions for 528 yards and zero touchdowns on 53 targets. The 49ers made one of the biggest splashes of the early portion of free agency by signing veteran wide receiver Mike Evans to a three-year deal. While the 32-year-old Evans may no longer be the player he once was at his peak, he still projects as San Francisco's top outside wideout and could push Pearsall to the WR2 role. On the bright side for Pearsall's production outlook, the 49ers could be losing wide receiver Jauan Jennings to free agency and will likely be without star tight end George Kittle (Achilles) for a chunk of 2026 as Kittle recovers from a torn Achilles tendon. Still, the signing of Evans could signal that San Francisco does not view Pearsall as a number-one wide receiver option going forward and may be bad news for his long-term dynasty outlook.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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